Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Still Going Strong

We're still doing a lot of bike racing.

Ethan is having a fabulous season. We have noticed that his mountain bike racing has really helped him improve this kind of racing, too. Plus, I think he is having more fun than ever. It is wonderful to see how happy it makes him.

Ellie had a long, rough patch. I think it was a combination of things. She started the season with an injury and then she got sick. She raced through most of that. Then once we stopped having weekly practice because it was getting dark too early to do it, we let her rest mostly during the week between the races. I thought this would be helpful, but we see that may it was not. Our friend Mike suggested that Ellie do some midweek spinning class and that seems to be just the ticket. This week's races were so much better. And most importantly, she began having fun again. What a relief that was to find that she is having fun, again.


It is always more fun when your friends are around. Ellie loves to socialized with everyone at the races. Having her team mates, like Anna, there, make it more fun, too.

I am almost ready to shift gears and get ready for Christmas. Here's a fun craft that I might have to do. I found it on Craftsytlish:


Paper Snow Storm


Simple labels (1-inch circles) and some dental floss is all you need to make a winter wonderland.

Attach the dental floss to the adhesive side of a label.




Place a second label over the top of the first, sandwiching the dental floss between the two.

Randomly space your labels along the length of dental floss to give your finished snowstorm a natural look.

Hang finished strands in front of windows using small pieces of masking tape affixed to the tops of the window frames.

The slightest breeze will cause your "snowflakes" to move, which will will subtly animate a room—especially a dining room in candlelight.

Hung in a bedroom, this snowstorm cannot fail to bring a smile of surprise to the face of any guests.





On another note, here's a fun recipe that I found on Craftstylish that I might try:

Peppermint Salt Rub

Here’s an inexpensive but thoughtful gift that will sooth aching muscles while perking up the spirit. And with the holidays fast approaching, you may want to make a batch for yourself! I’m just sayin’…

You’ll need:

* Glass or metal bowl
* 20 drops peppermint essential oil
* 3 tablespoons carrier oil (such as jojoba or sweet almond oil)
* Metal spoon
* 1/2 cup Epsom salt
* 1/2 cup sea salt
* 8-ounce jar, tub, or tin with lid
* Peppermint stick

Step 1: Sterilize your materials in a hot-water bath (place in boiling water for 10 minutes, then set on a clean towel and allow to dry).

Step 2: In a glass or metal bowl, add the essential oil to the carrier oil to dilute it. Add the Epsom salt and sea salt, and mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Scoop into a glass jar, plastic tub, or metal tin. Tie on a peppermint stick and a usage card. Always include a list of ingredients so that anyone with allergies or sensitivities can assess the danger.

To use: Pour or scoop a fourth of the mixture under running water. Allow the tub to fill halfway before sinking into the healing waters. Yum.

Each batch makes four baths.

No comments: